By CHICAGO — At least 55 protesters were arrested following violent clashes with police outside the Israeli Consulate in Chicago on Tuesday night, the second day of the Democratic National Convention, authorities said.
Chicago Police Superintendent Larry Snelling described the situation as “a danger to our city” during a Wednesday news conference. The confrontation occurred about 2 miles (3.2 kilometers) from the United Center, where Democrats were gathered for their convention.
“Those arrested showed up with the intention of committing acts of violence, vandalism,” Snelling said. He emphasized that the police “did everything that we could to de-escalate that situation,” but added, “there’s only so much de-escalation that you can attempt before it becomes excessive repetition.”
The clashes began shortly after the demonstration started, with some protesters — many dressed in black with covered faces — charging at a police line that had blocked their march. While protesters eventually moved past the officers, they were repeatedly contained by police in riot gear throughout the night.
Snelling reported that between 55 and 60 people were arrested. Two individuals were hospitalized with minor injuries: one for knee pain and another with a finger injury. Two officers were also injured but refused medical attention. Three journalists were among those arrested, though details on charges were not immediately available.
The protest, which was not affiliated with a coalition of more than 200 groups organizing permitted rallies during the convention, rallied under the slogan “Make it great like ’68,” referencing the anti-Vietnam War protests during the 1968 Democratic National Convention in Chicago.
Snelling rejected comparisons to 1968, stating, “It’s 2024. And the Chicago Police Department proved that. So let’s get off of 1968. Let’s stop talking about 1968. This is 2024.”
The police superintendent denied accusations of “kettling” protesters, a tactic of corralling people in a confined area, which is banned under a federal consent decree. He defended the police response as “proportionate” and not excessive.
“We wanted to overwhelm them,” Snelling said, referring to those he described as intending to “destroy” the city. “Now, overwhelming doesn’t mean that we were excessive. The response was proportionate.”
This incident marks a significant escalation in protest activity during the convention. The largest demonstration so far, attracting about 3,500 people on Monday, was largely peaceful and resulted in 13 arrests, mostly related to breaches of security fencing.
The Israeli Consulate has been a frequent site of demonstrations since the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war in October. Protests during the DNC have largely focused on opposition to this conflict.
As the convention continues, authorities remain on high alert for further demonstrations. Another rally, organized by the U.S. Palestinian Community Network, is planned for Wednesday afternoon near the United Center.
AP
